Seiko · ref SNK809
The SNK809 is the black-dialed, military-style Seiko 5 that Monochrome once crowned the cheapest high-end watch, and it's still the usual answer when someone asks for a first mechanical watch. It's a small steel case of about 37mm, matte on top, with the crown at 4 o'clock where Seiko 5 crowns traditionally sit, a Hardlex crystal and a display back. Inside is the 7S26 automatic with 21 jewels and a day-date. It doesn't hack, and you can't wind it with the crown, so you give it a shake to get it going. Water resistance is only 30 meters because the crown doesn't screw down. Seiko made them by the million, and by late 2018 reviewers were reporting it had been discontinued, so the used supply is huge. Condition is what separates one from the next. Look for a clean dial and a clear case back, and plan on swapping the stock canvas strap, which reviewers found cheap. Any 18mm strap fits.
The 7S26 doesn't hack or hand-wind, and Seiko rates it at -20 to +40 seconds a day, so it won't keep tight time. The stock canvas strap is usually the first thing to wear out.
Buying guide
For a first mechanical watch, we'd buy the refurbished SNK809K2 shipping from the US at $263 delivered, low in the band. There are about 90 for sale and most ask $230–380 delivered, most of them from Japan with shipping up to $107 and possible import fees, and the Japan-made J1s sit at the top. A few Japan listings show a dial that looks greenish in the photos, so ask for a daylight photo that confirms it's black, and check both crystals for chips and ask how many seconds a day it's running. eBay's watch search doesn't show seller feedback, so check it and the return policy on the item page.
$189.88est. delivered
The lowest fixed price on a complete SNK809 at $190 delivered, about $40 under the band, on an aftermarket strap. The title doesn't say it runs, so ask the seller how it keeps time.
Seiko 5 Sports Men's Black Watch SNK809 - Colareb Sustain Short Strap
$220.00est. delivered
Titled runs and priced at $220 delivered from Japan, just under the band. Ask how many seconds a day it gains or loses, since Seiko's spec is -20 to +40.
SEIKO 5 Military Watch Automatic 7S26-02J0 SNK809 Black Dial Day Date Runs Japan
$262.70est. delivered
Listed as refurbished on eBay and shipping from the US, so there's no import wait, at $263 delivered, low in the band. Ask what the refurbishment covered.
Seiko 5 Sports Men's Black Watch - SNK809K2
$372.62est. delivered
The J1 is the Japan-made version that some buyers prefer, and this one asks $373 delivered, inside the band where most other J1s ask more. Check the dial and case back photos for the J1 markings.
Seiko 5 Sports SNK809J1 Automatic Men's Watch Japan
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 5, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 5, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$189.88est. delivered
$175.43 + $14.45 shipping
Buy It Now$175.43
Good buy
On an aftermarket short strap. No running claim. Ships from Canada.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$220.00est. delivered
$205.00 + $15.00 shipping
Buy It Now$205.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Titled runs, with the 7S26-02J0 movement code. Ships from Japan.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Refurbished$262.70est. delivered
$250.00 + $12.70 shipping
Buy It Now$250.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
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Good buy
Listed as refurbished. Ships from the US.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$372.62est. delivered
$309.62 + $63.00 shipping
Buy It Now$309.62
Good buy
J1, the Japan-made version. Ships from Japan.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$209.16est. delivered
$199.66 + $9.50 shipping
Buy It Now$199.66
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Titled well worn, on a blue band. Expect scratches.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$262.99est. delivered
$227.99 + $35.00 shipping
Buy It Now$227.99
Our take
K1 from Japan. The title says manual winding, but the 7S26 doesn't hand-wind.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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![[Papers] SEIKO 5 SNK809 Automatic Military Black 7S26-02J0 21J Men's Watch Japan](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1AgAAeSwxqhqKA8F/s-l500.jpg)
Used$284.99est. delivered
$199.99 + $85.00 shipping
Buy It Now$199.99
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Comes with papers. $85 shipping from Japan.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$529.49est. delivered
$422.50 + $106.99 shipping
Buy It Now$422.50
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Priced high
About $150 over the band, $107 of it shipping from Japan.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Prices change daily. The live eBay search shows everything listed now, including anything new since Oct 5, 2026.
See every listing on eBay ↗eBay searchA fresh strap, a set of spring bars and a spring-bar tool are the cheap part of making an old Seiko 5 SNK809 wearable again. This searches Amazon for the usual kit.
Search straps & tools ↗Amazon search
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